Power steered garden tractor



Jan. 27, 1953 -w. G. HARDY :TAL 2,626,671

POWER STEERED GARDEN TRACTOR 'A Filed Aprill 23, 1949 3 ShU-Ois--Shbb 1 MELVIN S. BURKHOLDER ATTORNEYS Jan, 27, 1953 w. G. HARDY Erm. 2,626,671

POWER sTEEREn GARDEN TRAcafoR Filed April 25, 1949 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 MELVIN S. BURKHOLDER ATTORNEYS wvl-:mons -J3 4 wlLaun e. HARDY W. G. HARDY ETAL POWER STEERED GARDEN TRACTOR Jan. 27, 1953 Ny Filed April 23, 1949 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 NVENTOR WILBUR G. HARDY MELV|N SBURKJHOLDER BY NW d JM-1 ATTORNEYS Vmany respects.

Patented Jan. 27, 1953 POWER STEERED GARDEN TRACTOR Wilbur Glenn Hardy, Wapakoneta, and Melvin S. Burkholder, Beaverdam, Ohio Application April 23, 1949, Serial No. 89,238

11 Claims.

This invention relates to multi-purpose garden tractors. More particularly it relates to garden tractors whose steering is accomplished through the driving mechanism. Still more particularly it relates to power steering mechanism without differentials for independent control of each wheel.

In garden tractors thus far produced, so far as we are aware, the steering and control h-as been either through manual force upon the handles or by a differential on the drive shaft, whereby upon braking one wheel to cause its retardation theY other wheel is speeded up due to the action of the differential, or by the clutch mechanisms to control the individual wheels.

These methods have all been unsatisfactory in Differential and clutch mechanisms are expensive. In addition they add to the weight and limit the extent to which the size of the tractor can be reduced. In addition all of these mechanisms require the positioning of wheels in a xed relationship to the driving mechanism.

It is a primary object of this invention to provide a tractor whose motive power can be directed to individual wheels at will.

It is another object of this invention to provide a tractor whose motive power can be shut off from ground wheels, thus enabling the stopping of the tractor at will.

It is another object of this invention to provide a tractor wherein the application of power and the steering is attained by a novel construction permitting sharp turning.

It is another object of this invention to provide a tractor having a power drive which allows adjustment of the spacing between the ground wheels.

It is another object of this invention to provide a tractor capable of straddling rows of vegetation without injuring the growth.

Another object of this invention is to provide a tractor whose power drive is reversible on individual wheels. l

It is a still further object to provide a tractor thoroughly reliable, and efcient in operation, easily handled, and comparatively inexpensive to manufacture.

It is another object of this invention to provide a tractor upon which may be mounted auxiliary equipment. K

Other and more specific objects and Iadvantages will appear from the following description 'of a tractor constructed according to the present invention.

The linvention consists in the features of construction,A combination and arrangement of the vvparts as will hereinafter be more fully described Cil In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of our improved garden tractor;

Figure 2 is a front elevational view;

Figure 3 is a horizontal view of the tractor from the bottom;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary elevational view of the motor mounting;

Figure 5 diagrammatically illustrates drive mechanism permitting reversing the power drive;

Figure 6 illustrates a reversing drive mounted on the garden tractor; and

Figure 7 illustrates the position of the spring in reverse drive.

Referring to the figures of the drawings, it will be noted that the main frame includes a U-shaped horizontal member III, which may have the parallel members joined for rigidity as by a brace bar, and which has depending legs II adapted at their lower ends with bearing means or journals I2.

In the journals are mounted the halves of the axially aligned shaft I3 divided into two portions I3a and |312. Rotatably mounted on the bearing portions I3c and I3d of each shaft I3 are ground wheels I5. Each ground wheel is held in position between a shoulder, and suitable retaining means I4 as, for example, a bearing plate engaged by a pin or a. nut threadedly mounted on the shaft.

Intermediate the wheel I5 and the bearing I2 the shaft is enclosed by a bearing I6 of a connecting member or arm I1, whose purpose is hereinafter explained.

Wheel I5 is provided on its inner side with a ring gear I8 which may be formed integral therewith or attached by suitable means, such as lugs I9, removably aixed to the wheel I5 by bolts 20.

On the side opposite shaft portion I3Ia, the identical construction is maintained for shaft portion I3b. These corresponding parts are marked with the same numbers I5 through 23.

Mounted in axial alignment adjacent the rear of the U-shaped frame member II] are a pair of bearings 22 and 23, in which are rotatably mounted the halves of the shaft divided into two portions 24 and 25. Said shaft portions 24 and 25 have attached to their exterior ends by suitable means, such as keys, press t and the like. pinion gears 26 and 21 adapted to cooperate with ring gears I8.

Shaft members 24 and 25 are provided on the same side of the bearings as the pinion gears, but mounted adjacent the bearing, with collars 24a and 25a.. On the opposite sides of the `bearings 22 and 23 IOm the pinion gears 26 and 21 there are releasably attached sheaves 28 and 29. Intermediate the pinion gears 26 and 27 and the bearings 22 and 23, the shaft members 24 and 25 are enclosed by theV bearings 30 of said connect- 3 ing member l?, thus providing rigid support at extended positions.

A support member giving the frame three point ground contact may be provided as shown at 32. The illustrated support consists of a pivot arm 33 pivotally mounted to swing through 180 degrees and having a clamp 313 at the exterior end for engagement with the frame iii to lock the arm in any angular position.

Depending from the pivot arm 33 is a fram@ S5 in which is mounted a wheel 3Q.

t will be recognized that other types of support means may be substituted for the above caster mechanism.

Extending between the side members of the U-shaped frame lll is a plate Plate [is is supported by four clips, two on the leftwardly side indicated at lil and two on the rightwardly side indicated at 42. The clips di and 42 are adapted to be slidable on the side members of frame iii as guides. Plate 510. is provided with a rearwardly extending ear or clevis i3 attached by suitable means, such as welding, rivets or bolts.

Depending from the plate are rigidly attached arms li and 45, Which are apertured as at l and All' to receive a guide rod 68. Guide rod 8 passes through the apertures and is restrained from forward movement by attachment through suitable means de, such as a bolt, to a cross beam Eil.

Said rod "i8 extends rearwardly through the arms i4 and i5 and is provided with a collar 5l. Rod 15S is enclosed between the collar 5i and arm lill by a spring 52. Rod S is also provided at its rearwardly end with a detachable clevis 53. Pivotally mounted in the clevis 53 of rod 8 is a link 5d apertured at 55 to receive a pin 5e securing the link to the clevis 43 of plate liti.

Link 54 is apertured at its free end to receive actuating means hereinafter explained.

Plate Ll carries at the vertical central axis of the frame iii a kingp-in 5t the kingpin and plate being suitably engaged in a press fitting relation or held together by a bolt. Said kingpin '53 and plate le carry a turntable EEB, which is revoluble in the horizontal plane as by a sliding nt between the pin 53 and plate 6). Said turntable carries the power means 6l, such as, for example, a 11/2 horsepower gasoline engine and a fuel tank G2.

Extending from both sides of the motor is a drive shaft 53. Said shaft carries the sheaves 62 and 65 which are in vertical alignment with the sheaves 28. and 29, to which they transmit power through belts 65 and 6l.

Turntable 58 has joined thereto and extending rearwardly guide means, such as handles, @t and G9 rigidly joined by a cross bar A lever H pivoted on the cross bar l is operatively connected to link d by suitable means l2, such as wire or rope.

The arrangement of the above described apparatus is such that upon release of lever il the link 5d is eased forward and the plate te urged by spring 52 moves the entire power deck forwardly, creating driving tension on the belts 66 and 61 connecting sheaves 61% and 28 and sheaves 65 and 29, respectively.

It is, of course, understood that when the belts 66 and 61 are thus tightened, the pulleys being continuously driven, cause a continuous operation of shafts 24 and 25 and pinions 26 and 2 and ring gears IS. The traction wheels [5 are thus driven at equal speed and the tractor advances along a straight course, towing whatever implements may be attached to the tractor through suitable means such as the arms depending from frame l0.

For steering purposes all that is needed is a leftwardly or a rightwardly shift of the handles by a few inches. The shift of the handles, for example, to the left rotates turntable 6U thus rearwardly moving the sheave 64 and releases the tension on belt E5 while the forward movement of sheave 65 tightens belt 61.

The displacement of the motor is compensated for by the tension on the belt El, causing the plate it to retract against the pressure of spring 52. the belt is not over-stretched, but merely held in driving tension. With the driving of belt only right wheel i5 is rotated and thus the tractor is caused to make a sharp left turn.

rEhe position of either wheel i5 is alterable` at will. Ef both Wheels are brought to their innermost positions the inner shaft member i3 and the shaft members 2d and 25 abut.

When it is desirable to alter the distance between the drive wheels, the tightening screws of the sheaves 23 and 29 and the collars 2da and 25a are loosened, the shafts 24 and 25 slid laterally and the screws retightened.

The shafts upon which are mounted drive wheels i5 may be altered as to distance, for example, by loosening a set screw in each journal, sliding the axle to the desired position and resetting the screw. It will thus be seen that independent adjustment of either wheel may be made in a very short time.

Referring particularly to Figure 5, there is sh j Jn a belt arrangement whereby reversi-ble drive is obtained. In this arrangement the sheave ad is shown connected to the sheave 28 by the continuous belt l.

Mounted on the frame as shown in FigureV 6 is an idler shaft i3 carrying sheave 14. Sheave 14 is driven from sheave 64% by a belt 15. Shea-ve 28 is connected in driving relationship with the sheave 'it by a belt l. rEhe sheave 28m this case is a double notched V wheel.

When the motor is in forward position the belt el is tensioned, as explained before, and the belt i is loose, so that power is not transmitted by this means, power being transmitted for forward motion of the tractor from drive sheave 64 through belt 57 to driven sheave 28. Thus the operation of belt El' when belt 15 is loose is identical to that described in connection with belts Al and Eil of Figures 1 to 3, inclusive.

l-Icwever when a long rearwardly movement of the motor is effected and the unit assumes the position. shown in Figure 6 the b-elt 67 is loosened and the belt 'E5 comes into tension, thereby driving the sheave id and transmitting power to the sheave 23 through the belt Td.

However the direction of motion of driven sheave 28 will, as may be seen from the arrow in Figure 6, be reversed and the tractor will accordingly be placed in reverse motion when belts 15 and 'Je are tensioned.

The substitution of the drive shown in Figures 5 and e for that previously set forth in connection with Figures 1 to 4, inclusive, accordingly permits not only of forward motion and directional' control of the tractor but of reverse motion of the tractor and directional control while'in reverse motion, since drives on opposing sides of the motor will betensioned a-nduntension'ed upon turning plate Sie as substantially'de'scribed hereinbefore. While spring 52 will be placed in compression by this action and tension on member 12 must be employed to overcome this, this is not a detrimental feature since under normal operating conditions the unit will be in reverse motion only for short periods.

Although a specific embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and describedit will be understood that various alterations in the details of construction may be made within the scope of the invention as rindicated V by the appended claims. i y

We claim: Y f y 1. In a garden tractor the `combination comprising a frame supported by independently revoluble ground wheels, driving means for said wheels, a horizontal platform slidable" forwardly and rearwardly mounted on saidvfrarriedV a-vrevoluble mount supported by saldplatform and positioned through a pivot.-power means supported on said revoluble mount,V parallel endless rrbelt means spaced on vopposite sides of said pivot connecting said `power means tov said driving means,

guide means attached to said revoluble'mount for turning the power means in a horizontal plane Y whereby one belt means may be tensioned while the other belt is disengaged, and manually operslidable member, a power unit supported by saidrevolub-le member, pulley means on said power unit positioned on opposite sides of said unit,

' rotatable shaft means supported by said frame,

driven and driving means on said shaft means, individual endless belts passing over the pulley of the power unit and the driven means on said shaft means, gear members on said wheels meshing with said driving means on said shaft, rearwardly extending guide means attached to said revoluble member for turning said member toH render one belt ineffective while rendering the other effective, and manually operable means associated with said guide means for retracting the slidable member to render said endless belts completely ineffective.

3. In a garden tractor, the combination comprising a frame supported by ground wheels, a horizontally slidable table mounted on said frame, tensioning means urging said table into forward effective driving position, a horizontally revoluble member carried by said slidable table, a power unit supported by said revoluble member, pulleys on opposite sides of the power unit on the drive shaft thereof, aligned shafts journaled for rotation supported on said frame, a

.sheave and vpinion gear mounted on each shaft,

endless belts each passing over a pulley of said power unit and a sheave on said shaft, gear members on said wheels meshing with the pinion i gear on said shaft, rearwardly extending guide able table mounted on ,said frame, tensioning means'urging said tablein forward effective driving position, a .horizontally revoluble member carried by said slidable table, a power unit supported by ysaid revoluble member, pulleys on the opposite sides of the power unit on the drive shaft thereof, lindividual shaft members journaled for rotation in the axially aligned bearings mounted on ysaid frame, a driven member and a driving member on each of said individual shafts, endless belts each passing over a pulley of the power unit and a driven member, a gear member on each of said wheels meshing with a driving member on one of ,said individual shaft members, rearwardly extending guide means attached to said revoluble member for turning said member to render one belt ineffective while rendering the other effective,and manually operable means associated withsaid guide means` for retracting the slidable member to render said endless belts completely jineiective. d

5. In a garden tractor, the combination comprising a frame supported by ground'wheels,

a horizontally slidable table mounted on said frame, spring means urging said table into forward keffective driving position, a horizontally revoluble member carried by said slidabletable, a motor supported by said revoluble member, pulleys on'opposite sides of said motor and mounted on the driveV shaft thereof, individual shaft members journaled for rotation in the axially alignedbearings mounted on said frame, a sheave and a pinion gear mounted on each individual shaft and on opposite sides of the bearing, endless belts each passing over a pulley of the motor and @sheave of said individual shaft, a kgear member oneach of said wheels meshing with a pinion gear on one of said individual shaft members, rearwardly extending guide means attached to said revoluble member for turning said member to render one belt ineffective while rendering the other effective, and manually operable means associated with said guide means for retracting the' slidable member to render said endless belts completely ineiective.

6; Ina garden tractor, the combination comprising a propelled frame, a slidable plate with a rearwardly extending ear supported and guided `by said frame, a turntable revolubly attached tor shaft and mounted on opposite sides of said motor, laterally slidable axially aligned halves of a shaft mounted for rotation in journals on said frame, a pinion gear and sheave mounted on each half of the shaft and on opposite sides of said journals, endless belts each passing over the sheave on a shaft and a pulley on said drive shaft, arms depending from the rear of said frame, axially aligned journals mountedon said arms, laterally slidable halves of a second shaft carried in said journals, traction wheels mounted on each Vhalf of said second shaft, a ring gear supported on each of said wheels in contact with said -pinion gear, handles affixed to said turntable for turning said members to render one endless belt ineffective while tensioning the other into drive relationship, manually operable means associated with said guide means for rearwardly urging the slidable plate to render both endless belts completely ineffective.

7. In a garden tractor, the combination of a power drive and steering means for the wheels of said tractor comprising a horizontally extending frame, a slide mounted on said frame 'and horizontally movable therealong, a horizontally rotatable mounting carried by'said slide, power means including drive pulley means supported on said rotatable mounting, drivenpulleymeans rotatably supported on said frame and adapted to drive said wheels of said tractor individually, power-transmission belt means connecting said drive pulley and said driven pulley means, lsaid power means and slide 'being operable upon rotation and horizontal movement of said power means relative to said frame to tension a drive belt to Yone .of said driven pulleys while loosening a drive 'belt to the other said Vdriven pulley, whereby said 'tractor'in the operating condition of said power means may 'be readily steered.

8. In a garden tractor, the combination comprising spaced independently'revoluble ground wheels, a horizontally extending frame supported between said spaced wheels, a slide mounted on said frameand horizontally movable therealong, .a horizontally rotatable mounting carried Vby said slide, power means including drive pulley'means supported on said rotatable mounting, driven pulley means rotatably supported on said 'frame and adapted to drive said wheels of said tractor individually, power .transmission belts spaced apart on either side of said power means and connecting said drive and driven pulley means, and means, including said slide, to place said belts in tension and to selectively vary the vtension of each belt by rotative and horizontal `rnovement of said power means with respect to said driven pulley means and `said wheels, whereby one said wheel is operatively connected to said power .means and ,the other said wheel is rendered vinoperative with .respect to said power means.

9. Ina garden tractor, the .combination comprising spaced -independently revoluble ground wheels, a horizontally extending frame'supported between said spaced wheels, a slide horizontally movably mounted on said frame `and having yieldable means associated therewith for urging the said slide into a forward driving position, a horizontally rotatable mounting carried by said slide, power. means includingV drive pulley means supported on said rotatable mounting, driven pulley means rotatablysupported on said frame and adapted to drive said wheelsfof said tractor individually, power .transmission belts spaced -apart on either slderof said power means connecting said drive anddriven pulley means, and means, including said slide and yieldable means, to place said belts in driving tension and to selectively vary the tension o f each belt by rotative and horizontal movement of said power 4n fieans and slide with respectto said driven pulley-means and said wheels, whereby one said wheel is op# eratively connected with [said 'power means and the other kof said'wheels is Vrendered'inoperative with respect to said jpower means.'

10. In a garden tractor,the combination -comprising spaced independently revoluble lground wheels, a horizontally extending frame supported between said spaced Wheels, a slide horizontally movably` mounted on said frame and having spring means associated therewith to urge said slide into a forward driving position, a rotatable mounting carried by said slide, power means including drive pulley means supported on said rotatable mounting, power transmission belts on each'said drive pulley means drivingly connected with said power means, means for driving each said wheel, said means including 'spaced parallel shafts, driving and driven gears connecting said shafts and belt pulleys on said drive gear shaft. one said power transmission belt being connected with one said belt pulley on said drive gear shaft to drive said wheels of said tractor individually, and means including said slide and spring to place said belts in driving tension and to selectively vary Vthe tension of each belt by rotative and horizontal movement of said power means with respect to said driving means for each said wheel, whereby one wheel is operatively connected with said power means and the other said wheel is rendered inoperative with respect to said power means.

Yl1. In agarden tractor, the combination of a power drive land steering means for the wheels oi said tractor comprising a horizontally extending frame, a slidemounted on said frame and horizontally movable therealong and having yieldable means associated therewith for urging the said slide into a ilxed driving position, a rotatable-,mounting carried by said slide, power means, including driving doubleV belt pulley means supported on vsaid rotatable mounting on each side of said power means, a iixedly positioned double V ybelt pulley adapted to be driven and to drive a wheel of said tractor secured adjacent each side of `said frame and rearwardly on said slide, a Xedly positioned double V belt pulley adapted to be driven secured to each side of said frame forwardly of said slide, a power transmission belt drivingly connecting each pair of iiXed pulleys on each side of said frame, power transmission belts connecting said driving double 'V belt pulleys of said power means with each of said double V belt pulleys on each side of said frame, each said belt connecting said power means and a said forwardly positionedpulley being crossed, and means secured to said slide to retract said slide rearwardly against the pressure of said yieldable means while rotating said power means.

vvrLBUa GLENN HARnY. MELVIN s. ABURKHOLDER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references'ar'e of record in the ile of this patent:

4UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name VDate 441,771 Manseld Dec. 2, 1890 Y828,713 COiTmaIlet al.y Aug. 14, 1906 1,295,242 Waite Feb; 25, 1919 1,686,372` Fykse Oct. 2, 1928 2,018,624 f Eames Oct. 22, 1935 2,329,372 "Hitch Sept. 14, 1943 2,450,749 Clark Oct.'5, 1948 

